An idiom describing the proper degree of bending (a) joint(s) and proper positioning of the hand/foot to enhance an extremity's use as a strike.

Comments:

Compact Unit is usually used in reference to the application of an elbow or knee strike, and the proper bending of the knee or elbow joint with the proper positioning of the hand/foot - such that the entire arm/leg can be used as a single effective unit when delivering the strike.

The incomplete or insufficient bending of a joint can cause an elbow or knee strike to become less stable and not unified at the Point of Contact, and thus being less effective.

Improper positioning of the hand/foot will cause the muscles of the arm/leg to be misaligned or improperly tightened and also reduce the effectiveness of an elbow/knee strike.

When delivering a knee kick, the toes of the foot should be pointed with the angle straightened, thus tightening the muscles of the leg.

When delivering an elbow strike, the hand should be rotated to a degree such that torque is maximized, yet the muscles of the arm stay properly aligned with the direction of travel.  Proper rotation of the hand can be surmised by viewing the final position of muscles of the arm, after delivery of the strike.  If the muscles of the arm are bound or are unnaturally twisted, then the rotation of the hand is improper for that direction and needs to be changed.

Example(s):

Delivering a back elbow strike, with the elbow completely bent and the hand palm up at the Point of Contact, demonstrates the generation of a Compact Unit.

Delivering an outward elbow strike, with the elbow completely bent and the hand palm facing toward your body at the Point of Contact, demonstrates the generation of a Compact Unit.

Delivering a forward elbow strike, with the elbow completely bent and the hand palm down at the Point of Contact, demonstrates the generation of a Compact Unit.

Delivering an upward elbow strike, with the elbow completely bent and the hand palm facing toward your face at the Point of Contact, demonstrates the generation of a Compact Unit.

Delivering a knee kick, with the knee completely bent and the toes pointing towards the ground at the Point of Contact, demonstrates the generation of a Compact Unit.

Related Definition(s):

Align, Degree, Deliver, Destabilize, Direction, Disharmony, Execute, Focus, Force, Harmony, Kick, Maneuver, Motion, Move, Offense, Position, Power, Solidify, Stable, Strike, Torque, Weapon

Related Term(s):

Body Mechanics, Body Rotation, Circular Rotation, Coordination, Degree of Rotation, Disharmony of Force, Harmonious Movement, Harmonized Power, Method of Delivery, Point of Contact